Riccardo Angelo Strano was born on May 12, 1985, in Palermo, Italy. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a singer. From a young age, Strano showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later learned to play the violin and the cello. Strano's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began studying at the Conservatory of Palermo at the age of eight, where he received training in piano, violin, and cello. He later attended the Conservatory of Milan, where he studied under the renowned pianist and conductor Riccardo Muti. Strano's talent and dedication to music quickly became apparent, and he began performing in concerts and competitions at a young age. In 2001, he won first prize in the International Piano Competition in Palermo, and in 2003, he won first prize in the International Violin Competition in Milan. Strano's career as a classical musician took off in the early 2000s, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented young musicians in Italy. He began performing in major concert halls across Europe, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Vienna State Opera. One of Strano's most memorable performances was in 2005, when he performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 with the London Symphony Orchestra. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Strano's technical skill and emotional depth. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Strano also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles. He frequently performed with the Milan Symphony Orchestra and the Palermo Philharmonic Orchestra, and he also worked with chamber music groups such as the Trio di Milano and the Quartetto di Palermo. Throughout his career, Strano received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Premio Abbiati, which is given annually to the best Italian musician under the age of 30. He was also awarded the Premio Franco Abbiati in 2010, which is given to the best Italian musician of the year. Despite his success as a classical musician, Strano remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to practice and perform regularly, always striving to improve his skills and deepen his understanding of music. Tragically, Strano's career was cut short when he passed away in a car accident in 2012, at the age of 27. His death was a great loss to the world of classical music, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and promising young musicians of his generation.

More....